In December my sister Melanie will have surgery to remove cancer from her colon. This is her third surgery in five and a half years — the first was in the spring of 2001 and the most recent in

August to remove a tumor along with the lower lobe of her

left lung.

I am very grateful that the board has affirmed my wanting to be with her during this time. So, I will be in Ohio for much of the holiday season in December. You will be in good hands with Rev. Sinnamon and Bart Bradfield – with music on December 10^th, winter festival on the 17^th and the regular morning service as well as the traditional two evening services on the 24^th.

While I am in Ohio, in addition to attending to whatever my sister needs for herself, I will visit my mother in her new situation in a nursing home, see my nephew who is home from his senior year in college, and care for my sister’s home. Ann will keep our home fires burning.

It is such a privilege to be part of this congregation, where the people for whom I care also care about me. This ongoing experience with Melanie has certainly brought home to me what it is to be a family living with cancer or other serious and chronic illness. My sister does not like to be called heroic. Rather, as my mother has always told us, she sees her life unfolding by the rule of “Just take it one step at a time, honey; put one foot in front of the other.” And, indeed, much of a family’s living with cancer certainly is a one-day-at-a-time deal.

At the very least, though, for all of you living with cancer and chronic illness it takes huge amounts of inner courage and learning how to live with joy for the life you have. I admire my sister immensely, for so many reasons, and this is only the latest.

I know I will be accompanied by the love and support so many of you have shown to me and, by extension, to my family. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and compassion.

Although I will be away, I will be in touch regularly with Rev. Sue and with Sandra Robinson and Laura

Nelson — for how you are, to let them know how things are with my family and for infusions of the strength and joy they all give to me.

Have a wonderful holiday season. I will miss you. Rev. Barbara